A NEW installation by a Southampton artist will open this week as part of a project to revive a city road.

The exhibition will be viewable from Dec 11th at the Hidden Wardrobe on Old Northam Road and will also be launched online.

Artist Mandy Smith was inspired to create the piece - named “Fruiting” by a mushroom found growing inside the Hidden Wardrobe - an abandoned costume shop which arts organisation‘a space’ have transformed into the city’s latest Covid-compliant gallery.

Daily Echo: The installation called "Fruiting" by artist Mandy Smith will be viewable from Dec 11 at the Hidden Wardrobe on Old Northam Road, Southampton.The installation called "Fruiting" by artist Mandy Smith will be viewable from Dec 11 at the Hidden Wardrobe on Old Northam Road, Southampton.

The work is a reflection on the regeneration of Old Northam Road, the new communities ‘growing’ there and the 'incredible life of fungi.'

'A space' arts organisation transforms abandoned buildings in Southampton into exhibition spaces for local artists.

Mandy was part of RIPE, a programme for fine art graduates led by ‘a space’ arts, in partnership with the University of Southampton and Solent University.

On the inspiration for the piece, Mandy said: “The idea for this installation was conceived and made during the first lockdown and finished off in lockdown number 2.

"It is a site-specific installation for the Hidden Wardrobe inspired by a mushroom found within.

“Fungi can take on some of the characteristics of their environment, usually with a change of smell or taste. For this installation I have envisaged the mushrooms changing colour, taking on the characteristics of the paintings that are inside the building and made by fellow RIPE artist Benji Heinke. Benji’s paintings contain a bold use of colour and design which I enjoy. His work references pop art from the 1960s, an era during which Old Northam Road was thriving as a busy and bustling antiques quarter.”

Creative programme officer at ‘a space’ arts Mia Delve said: “Mandy’s new work brings the abandoned shop window to life and is just one of the brilliant exhibitions that makes up the Hidden Wardrobe programme.

"Although we can’t have an official opening event, we are encouraging people to take a stroll down Old Northam Road to see this thought-provoking and original new work.”

Entry to the shop will not be allowed.